One of the most asked questions I get as a travel microbiologist is ‘How does housing work when you go on assignment?’. Valid question. Here’s a short guide on finding housing as a travel healthcare professional!
Don’t miss out: Check out my latest travel healthcare post “What to Expect Once you’ve been Submitted to a Travel Contract“!
There are 2 routes you can take regarding housing. You can either 1- have the company you are working for find housing for you, or 2- find housing on your own. There are pros and cons to both options, so keep reading to find out which method I prefer when traveling!
Company Supplied Housing
If you choose to go this route, there are a few things to consider. As a traveler, your paycheck will typically consist of an hourly rate, a housing stipend, and a meal stipend. If you choose to take company housing, the company will cover your rent 100%, however, you won’t receive the housing stipend. Your paycheck now will consist only of your hourly rate and your meal stipends.
Another thing to take into consideration is location. If you choose to take company housing, you have no say in location, distance to your assignment (it SHOULD be fairly close), building amenities, number of bedrooms, etc.
Going this route simplifies the housing search, however, you lose the ability to choose for yourself where you’ll be living. I recommend only choosing company housing if you sign an assignment last minute and don’t have time to find housing, have looked for housing and have had no luck, or truly don’t want to find your own.
Self-Acquired Housing
This is well-known to be the worst part about traveling; finding housing. It can be very stressful as you are 100% responsible for finding your own housing for the duration of your contract. Plus, you have to deal with landlords and always on the lookout for potential scams. I know what you’re thinking, “If it’s such a hassle, why not just choose company housing?”.
#1-Pay
If you choose to go this route, your paycheck will include your hourly rate, a meal stipend, AND a housing stipend. You’ll actually most likely be losing out on money if you choose to take company housing; so long as you don’t book something too expensive.
#2-Freedom
Choosing to find your own housing allows you freedoms that company acquired housing does not. You get to make all of the decisions regarding where you live, and you can be as picky as you’d like.
Housing Websites:
I’ve opted to find my own housing for every assignment I’ve been on, and it’s worked out well so far! Listed below are my favorite and most trusted housing websites:
**Safety Tip: Stay away from Craigslist, and never wire money!**
Ultimately, it’s your decision to make regarding how you find your next place to live, but I hope you take all of this into consideration! If you have any questions, drop them below, and don’t forget to subscribe to be notified when new posts go live!
